A garment steamer based on double temperature sensor and control circuit thereof

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of based on double temperature sensor's garment steamer and its control circuit, control circuit includes power management unit, control unit, water pump unit, heating unit and temperature sensing unit, power management unit is used to access external ac power supply;Heating unit includes heating cavity and heating element, and heating element is set on heating cavity;Control unit is used to control water pump unit and heating element;Water pump unit is used to connect a water tank and connect with the water inlet of heating cavity;Temperature sensing unit includes first temperature sensor and second temperature sensor, and first temperature sensor and second temperature sensor are respectively set at the first position and second position of heating cavity to be used to detect the first temperature value and second temperature value of heating cavity, to be used to send first temperature value and second temperature value to control unit respectively.The utility model improves the working reliability and use safety of garment steamer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of garment steamer technology, and in particular to a garment steamer based on dual temperature sensors and its control circuit. Background Technology

[0002] Existing portable garment steamers use individual temperature sensors to control the operation of the heating element and water pump. However, the temperature of different parts of the heating element is often inconsistent. This means that if the temperature sensor is set in a low-temperature location, the heating element in the heating element may overheat, damaging or even burning out the garment steamer, seriously affecting its safety. Conversely, if the temperature sensor is set near a location where the heating element is too hot, the heating element may not heat up sufficiently, causing the garment steamer to spray water.

[0003] The above background information is provided only to aid in understanding the concept and technical solution of this utility model. It does not necessarily belong to the prior art of this patent application. In the absence of clear evidence that the above information was disclosed on the filing date of this patent application, the above background information should not be used to evaluate the novelty and inventiveness of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a garment steamer based on dual temperature sensors and its control circuit, which improves the operational reliability and safety of the garment steamer.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, this utility model discloses a control circuit for a garment steamer based on dual temperature sensors, including a power management unit, a control unit, a water pump unit, a heating unit, and a temperature sensing unit. The power management unit is used to connect to an external AC power source, and its output terminal is connected to the power input terminal of the control unit to supply power to the control unit. The heating unit includes a heating cavity and a heating element, with the heating element disposed on the heating cavity. The control unit is electrically connected to both the water pump unit and the heating element to control them respectively. The water pump unit is connected to a water tank and to the heating cavity. The inlet of the body is connected to deliver water from the water tank to the heating cavity; the temperature sensing unit includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is disposed at a first position in the heating cavity to detect a first temperature value of the heating cavity, and the second temperature sensor is disposed at a second position in the heating cavity to detect a second temperature value of the heating cavity. The first position and the second position are two different locations on the heating cavity. The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are respectively connected to the control unit to send the first temperature value and the second temperature value to the control unit.

[0006] Preferably, the first temperature sensor is disposed at the outlet of the heating cavity to detect a first temperature value at the outlet of the heating cavity, and the second temperature sensor is disposed on the heating cavity at a position corresponding to the heating element to detect a second temperature value on the heating cavity at a position corresponding to the heating element.

[0007] Preferably, the control circuit further includes a first thyristor unit, which is electrically connected between the control unit and the heating element.

[0008] Preferably, the control unit includes a zero-crossing detection circuit, which is used to connect to the external AC power supply to detect the zero-crossing signal of the external AC power supply.

[0009] Preferably, the control unit includes an input voltage detection circuit, which is connected to the external AC power supply to detect the input voltage of the external AC power supply.

[0010] Preferably, the control circuit further includes a switch control element, which is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0011] Preferably, the control circuit further includes a status indicator light, which is electrically connected between the power management unit and the control unit.

[0012] Preferably, the water pump unit is an AC electromagnetic water pump, and the control circuit further includes a second thyristor unit, which is electrically connected between the control unit and the AC electromagnetic water pump.

[0013] Preferably, the pump unit is a DC electromagnetic water pump, and the control circuit further includes a pump drive unit. The power management unit is also used to convert AC power into a first DC voltage. The output terminal of the power management unit is connected to the power input terminal of the pump drive unit to supply power to the pump drive unit. The pump drive unit is electrically connected between the control unit and the DC electromagnetic water pump. The controlled terminal of the pump drive unit is connected to the first control output terminal of the control unit, and the output terminal is connected to the DC electromagnetic water pump to output a second DC voltage according to the control signal of the control unit to drive the DC electromagnetic water pump.

[0014] Secondly, this utility model discloses a garment steamer based on dual temperature sensors, including a water tank and the control circuit described in the first aspect.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The garment steamer and its control circuit based on dual temperature sensors proposed in this utility model use two temperature sensors placed at different positions on the heating unit, so that the control unit can obtain the temperature at different positions on the heating unit and control the heating unit to turn on or off according to the temperature at different positions on the heating unit. By monitoring the temperature of two key points on the heating unit, a more comprehensive thermal state model can be constructed, making the control unit's decision more accurate, thereby achieving the optimal balance between safety and efficiency: on the one hand, it can avoid the garment steamer from burning out due to excessively high temperature of the heating element in the heating unit, and on the other hand, it can also avoid the problem of the garment steamer spraying water due to insufficient heating of the heating unit as a whole.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are respectively located at the water outlet of the heating chamber and at the position on the heating chamber corresponding to the heating element, so that the control unit can simultaneously obtain the first temperature value at the position where the temperature is too low and the second temperature value at the position where the temperature is too high on the heating unit. This can prevent the temperature of the heating unit from rising abnormally due to false detection by the first temperature sensor, and thus perform secondary temperature protection based on the second temperature value.

[0017] Other beneficial effects of the embodiments of this utility model will be further described below. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the control circuit of a garment steamer based on dual temperature sensors, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Power management unit; 20. Control unit; 21. Input voltage detection circuit; 22. Zero-crossing detection circuit; 30. Water pump unit; 40. Heating unit; 51. First temperature sensor; 52. Second temperature sensor; 60. First thyristor unit; 70. Second thyristor unit; 80. Safety protection device; 90. Switch control device; 100. Status indicator light; 200. External AC power supply. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. It should be emphasized that the following description is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope and application of this utility model.

[0021] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component. Furthermore, a connection can be used for both fixing and circuit / signal connectivity.

[0022] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0023] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] like Figure 1As shown, a preferred embodiment of this utility model discloses a control circuit for a garment steamer based on dual temperature sensors, including a power management unit 10, a control unit 20, a water pump unit 30, a heating unit 40, and a temperature sensing unit. The power management unit 10 is connected to an external AC power supply 200, and its output is connected to the power input of the control unit 20 to supply power to the control unit 20. The heating unit 40 includes a heating cavity and a heating element, with the heating element disposed on the heating cavity. The control unit 20 is electrically connected to both the water pump unit 30 and the heating element to control them respectively. The water pump unit 30... 0 is used to connect a water tank and the water inlet of the heating cavity to deliver water from the water tank to the heating cavity; the temperature sensing unit includes a first temperature sensor 51 and a second temperature sensor 52. The first temperature sensor 51 is set at a first position in the heating cavity to detect a first temperature value of the heating cavity, and the second temperature sensor 52 is set at a second position in the heating cavity to detect a second temperature value of the heating cavity. The first position and the second position are two different positions on the heating cavity. The first temperature sensor 51 and the second temperature sensor 52 are respectively connected to the control unit 20 to send the first temperature value and the second temperature value to the control unit 20 respectively.

[0025] Specifically, a first temperature sensor 51 is located at the water outlet of the heating cavity to detect a first temperature value at the outlet, and a second temperature sensor 52 is located on the heating cavity at the position corresponding to the heating element to detect a second temperature value at that position. The water outlet of the heating cavity is typically a location with a lower temperature for the heating unit 40, while the position on the heating cavity corresponding to the heating element is typically a location with a higher temperature. By simultaneously receiving the first and second temperature values, the control unit 20 can prevent abnormal temperature increases in the heating unit 40 due to false detection by the first temperature sensor 51, thus providing secondary temperature protection based on the second temperature value. This avoids both damage to the garment steamer due to excessively high temperatures at the heating element location and insufficient overall heating of the heating unit, preventing the garment steamer from spraying water. The first and second temperature sensors 51 and 52 are, for example, NTC (negative temperature coefficient thermistors). The heating element is, for example, a heating wire.

[0026] In a specific embodiment, the control unit 20, for example, pre-stores a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold. The control unit 20 is configured to: when the detected second temperature value is higher than the second temperature threshold, regardless of the first temperature value, immediately shut down the heating element and perform overheat protection. When the first temperature value is lower than the first temperature threshold, the heating efficiency of the heating element is turned on or increased, and the flow rate of the water pump unit 30 is started or increased to ensure the steam output temperature. Under normal operating conditions, according to the user-set mode, PID control is performed using the first temperature value as the main feedback signal to keep the first temperature value near the target value, while continuously monitoring the second temperature value as a safety protection signal.

[0027] In some embodiments, the control circuit further includes a first thyristor unit 60, which is electrically connected between the control unit 20 and the heating element. Further, the control unit 20 includes an input voltage detection circuit 21 and a zero-crossing detection circuit 22, which are respectively connected to an external AC power supply 200 to detect the input voltage signal and zero-crossing signal of the external AC power supply 200. The control unit 20 can adjust the heating power of the heating element according to the input voltage signal of the input voltage detection circuit 21 and the zero-crossing signal of the zero-crossing detection circuit 22. Specifically, when the zero-crossing detection circuit detects the AC peak crossing zero, the control unit 20 outputs a low level to turn off the first thyristor unit 60; when it does not cross zero, the control unit 20 outputs a high level to activate the first thyristor unit 60. The control unit 20 can use the first temperature value and the second temperature value fed back by the first temperature sensor 51 and the second temperature sensor 52 to control the on / off state of the first thyristor unit 60 to achieve multiple ironing modes. Furthermore, the control unit 20 is configured to: when the input voltage is determined by the input voltage detection circuit 21 to be a first voltage value (110V), output a control signal to turn on the first thyristor unit 60 to make the heating element work in full power mode; when the input voltage is determined to be a second voltage value (220V), output a control signal to turn on the first thyristor unit 60 to make the heating element work in half power mode.

[0028] In some embodiments, the control circuit further includes a safety protection element 80, which is connected in series in the power supply circuit of the heating unit 40. The safety protection element 80 includes a fuse with a rated melting temperature higher than the normal operating temperature of the heating unit 40. This prevents the control unit 20 from failing. When the heating unit 40 is under abnormal heating, the fuse melts irreversibly when it reaches the rated melting temperature, and the product can stop all abnormal operation.

[0029] In some embodiments, the control circuit further includes a switch control element 90 and a status indicator light 100. The switch control element 90 is electrically connected to the control unit 20, and the status indicator light 100 is electrically connected between the power management unit 10 and the control unit 20.

[0030] In this embodiment, the water pump unit 30 uses an AC electromagnetic water pump. The control circuit also includes a second thyristor unit 70, which is electrically connected between the control unit 20 and the AC electromagnetic water pump. The control unit 20 supplies power to the AC electromagnetic water pump by controlling the second thyristor unit 70 to achieve stable water output. The control unit 20, through a zero-crossing detection circuit, outputs a low level when the AC wave peak crosses zero, turning off the second thyristor unit 70; when it does not cross zero, the control unit 20 outputs a high level, enabling the second thyristor unit 70 to operate. Furthermore, the control unit 20 is configured to: when the input voltage is determined by the input voltage detection circuit 21 to be a first voltage value (110V), output a control signal to turn on the second thyristor unit 70, enabling the AC electromagnetic water pump to operate at full power; when the input voltage is determined to be a second voltage value (220V), output a control signal to turn on the second thyristor unit 70, enabling the AC electromagnetic water pump to operate at half power. Correspondingly, the power management unit 10 uses an AC-DC power management chip to generate a DC-5V voltage and power the control unit 20, as well as the first temperature sensor 51, the second temperature sensor 52, and the status indicator unit 100.

[0031] In other embodiments, the pump unit 30 may also employ a DC electromagnetic water pump. The control circuit further includes a pump drive unit, and the power management unit 10 is used to convert AC power into a first DC voltage. The output terminal of the power management unit 10 is connected to the power input terminal of the pump drive unit to supply power to the pump drive unit. The pump drive unit is electrically connected between the control unit 20 and the DC electromagnetic water pump. The controlled terminal of the pump drive unit is connected to the first control output terminal of the control unit, and the output terminal is connected to the DC electromagnetic water pump to output a second DC voltage to drive the DC electromagnetic water pump according to the control signal of the control unit 20. Correspondingly, the power management unit 10 may employ an AC-DC power management chip to generate a DC-5V voltage (i.e., the first DC voltage) and supply power to the control unit 20 and the pump drive unit. The pump drive unit receives the first DC voltage from the power management unit 10 and outputs a variable second DC voltage according to the instructions of the control unit 20. The DC electromagnetic water pump draws water from the water tank according to the second DC voltage and delivers it to the heating cavity of the heating unit 40. The pump drive unit may employ a DC / DC power step-down management chip to output a certain DC voltage for the DC electromagnetic water pump to operate. The DC electromagnetic water pump has advantages such as low noise and low heat generation. It is used to draw water from the water tank and deliver it to the heating chamber of the heating unit 40. The control unit 20 controls the pump drive unit to output a stable DC voltage to power the DC electromagnetic water pump, so as to achieve stable water output. The DC electromagnetic water pump has advantages such as small size, low noise, low heat generation, and no heat generation during long-term operation, and can stably output water.

[0032] The control unit 20, for example, uses a microcontroller to detect zero-crossing signals and input voltage signals. Specifically, it is configured to control the first thyristor unit 60 to operate or shut down, and control the status indicator 100 (low steam mode / high steam mode / dry ironing mode) to indicate different states. When the water pump unit 30 uses an AC electromagnetic water pump, the control unit 20 controls the second thyristor unit 70 to operate or shut down to control the AC electromagnetic water pump. When the water pump unit 30 uses a DC electromagnetic water pump, the control unit 20 controls the pump drive unit to output different voltages to the DC electromagnetic water pump. In addition, the control unit 20 also monitors the temperature of the heating unit 40 at multiple points through the first temperature sensor 51 and the second temperature sensor 52, and can control the heating unit 40 to stop or operate after reaching a certain temperature value.

[0033] When the water pump unit 30 uses an AC electromagnetic water pump, the control unit 20 is configured to respond to user operation via the switch control element 90 and cycle between multiple operating modes. Specifically, the operating modes include at least: low steam mode, where the product operates in a low-temperature heating and low-flow state, the control unit 20 controls the second thyristor unit 70 to turn on the output AC-low voltage, so that the AC electromagnetic water pump operates in a low-power state (low flow rate), and controls the heating unit 40 to heat at low power; high steam mode, where the product operates in a high-temperature heating and high-flow state, the control unit 20 controls the second thyristor unit 70 to turn on the output AC-high voltage, so that the AC electromagnetic water pump operates in a high-power state (high flow rate), and controls the heating unit 40 to heat at high power; and dry ironing mode, where the control unit 20 stops outputting voltage and controls the heating unit 40 to heat. For example, clicking the switch control 90 once operates the garment steamer in low steam mode; clicking it again operates it in high steam mode; and clicking it a third time operates it in dry ironing mode. When the control unit 20 detects no user operation on the switch control 90, the garment steamer automatically shuts down and enters sleep standby mode after approximately 10 minutes, requiring a restart to function again.

[0034] When the water pump unit 30 uses a DC electromagnetic water pump, the control unit 20 is configured to respond to user operation via the switch control element 90 and cycle between multiple operating modes. Specifically, the operating modes include at least: low steam mode, where the product operates in a low-temperature heating and low-flow state, the control unit 20 controls the pump drive unit to output a low-level drive signal (corresponding to low flow) to make the DC electromagnetic water pump operate in a low-pressure, low-flow state, and controls the heating unit 40 to heat at low power; high steam mode, where the product operates in a high-temperature heating and high-flow state, the control unit 20 controls the pump drive unit to output a high-level drive signal (corresponding to high flow) to make the DC electromagnetic water pump operate in a high-pressure, high-flow state, and controls the heating unit 40 to heat at high power; and dry ironing mode, where the control unit 20 controls the pump drive unit to stop outputting voltage and controls the heating unit 40 to heat. For example, clicking the switch control 90 once operates the garment steamer in low steam mode; clicking it again operates it in high steam mode; and clicking it a third time operates it in dry ironing mode. When the control unit 20 detects no user operation on the switch control 90, the garment steamer automatically shuts down and enters sleep standby mode after approximately 10 minutes, requiring a restart to function again.

[0035] Another preferred embodiment of this utility model discloses a garment steamer based on dual temperature sensors, including a water tank and the control circuit described in the above preferred embodiment.

[0036] The preferred embodiment of this utility model discloses a garment steamer and its control circuit based on dual temperature sensors. Two temperature sensors are positioned at different locations on the heating unit 40, enabling the control unit 20 to acquire the temperature at different locations on the heating unit 40. Based on the temperature at these different locations, the control unit 20 controls the heating unit to turn on or off. By monitoring the temperature at two key points on the heating unit 40, a more comprehensive thermal state model can be constructed, making the control unit 20's decisions more accurate. This achieves an optimal balance between safety and performance: on the one hand, it prevents the garment steamer from burning out due to excessively high temperatures at the heating elements within the heating unit 40; on the other hand, it avoids the garment steamer spraying water due to insufficient overall heating of the heating unit 40.

[0037] The background section of this utility model may include background information about the problems or circumstances surrounding the present utility model, rather than a description of prior art by others. Therefore, the content included in the background section is not an admission of prior art by the applicant.

[0038] The above description, in conjunction with specific / preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the present invention to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various substitutions or modifications can be made to these described embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such substitutions or modifications should be considered within the protection scope of the present invention. In the description of this specification, the reference to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "preferred embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicates that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples. Although embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control circuit for a garment steamer based on dual temperature sensors, characterized in that, It includes a power management unit, a control unit, a water pump unit, a heating unit, and a temperature sensing unit, among which, The power management unit is used to connect to an external AC power source, and the output terminal of the power management unit is connected to the power input terminal of the control unit to supply power to the control unit. The heating unit includes a heating cavity and a heating element disposed in the heating cavity; The control unit is electrically connected to the water pump unit and the heating element respectively to control the water pump unit and the heating element respectively; The water pump unit is used to connect a water tank and the water inlet of the heating cavity to transport water from the water tank to the heating cavity; The temperature sensing unit includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is disposed at a first position of the heating cavity to detect a first temperature value of the heating cavity. The second temperature sensor is disposed at a second position of the heating cavity to detect a second temperature value of the heating cavity. The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are respectively connected to the control unit to send the first temperature value and the second temperature value to the control unit.

2. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first temperature sensor is disposed at the outlet of the heating cavity to detect the first temperature value at the outlet of the heating cavity, and the second temperature sensor is disposed on the heating cavity at the position corresponding to the heating element to detect the second temperature value on the heating cavity at the position corresponding to the heating element.

3. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first thyristor unit, which is electrically connected between the control unit and the heating element.

4. The control circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit includes a zero-crossing detection circuit, which is used to connect to the external AC power supply to detect the zero-crossing signal of the external AC power supply.

5. The control circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit includes an input voltage detection circuit, which is connected to the external AC power supply to detect the input voltage of the external AC power supply.

6. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a switch control element, which is electrically connected to the control unit.

7. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a status indicator light, which is electrically connected between the power management unit and the control unit.

8. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water pump unit is an AC electromagnetic water pump, and the control circuit further includes a second thyristor unit, which is electrically connected between the control unit and the AC electromagnetic water pump.

9. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water pump unit is a DC electromagnetic water pump. The control circuit also includes a pump drive unit. The power management unit is used to convert AC power into a first DC voltage. The output terminal of the power management unit is connected to the power input terminal of the pump drive unit to supply power to the pump drive unit. The pump drive unit is electrically connected between the control unit and the DC electromagnetic water pump. The controlled terminal of the pump drive unit is connected to the first control output terminal of the control unit, and the output terminal is connected to the DC electromagnetic water pump to output a second DC voltage to drive the DC electromagnetic water pump according to the control signal of the control unit.

10. A garment steamer based on dual temperature sensors, characterized in that, It includes a water tank and the control circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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